Abstract: A vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication transponder for use in V2V communication, safety and anti-collision systems using only a vehicle location for vehicle ID is described. Message embodiments are free of pre-assigned permanent vehicle identification. A hybrid TMDA and CSMA protocol is used. Vehicle position is broadcast as an offset in distance units from a pre-defined geographical grid in degree units. A transponder may proxy for non-equipped vehicle. A proxy handoff and message coding for a proxy message are described. Embodiments are free of MAC and IP addresses. No central authority or road-side equipment (RSU) is required. Embodiments include equipped vehicles and V2V system using the transponder. Embodiments include equipped vehicles and V2V system using the transponder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for associating passenger docking locations with destinations using vehicle transportation network partitioning are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of re-programming flash memory of a computing device is presented here. Software content having a plurality of software modules can be re-programmed by identifying, from the software modules, a first set of software modules to be programmed by delta programming and a second set of software modules to be programmed by non-delta programming. A first set of sectors of the flash memory is assigned for programming the first set of software modules, and a second set of sectors is assigned for programming the second set of software modules. At least some of the second set of sectors are designated as temporary backup memory space. The first set of sectors is programmed with the first set of software modules, using delta programming and the designated temporary backup memory space. After programming the first set of sectors, the second set of sectors is programmed with the second set of software modules, using non-delta programming.

Abstract: Although self-driving vehicles excel under “normal” driving conditions, they sometimes struggle with new situations that often would not be overly difficult for a person. Several embodiments described herein enable a hybrid approach that leverages the exceptional abilities of self-driving vehicles while soliciting human interaction in select situations. The resulting combination of machine intelligence and human intelligence significantly enlarges the potential of self-driving vehicles in a manner that will enable self-driving vehicles to become widespread much faster than would otherwise be the case.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus and a method for updating map data thereof are provided. A map database of the navigation apparatus stores data of a plurality of existed roads. When coordinates of the navigation apparatus are not located on any one of the existed roads, a comparison module of the navigation apparatus determines whether the shortest distance between the coordinates and the existed roads exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the shortest distance exceeds the predetermined threshold, a map data adding module updates a traveling path according to a plurality of succeeding coordinates of the navigation apparatus until the navigation apparatus is determined to return on one of the existed roads. When the map data adding module finishes updating the traveling path, the map data adding module stores data of the traveling path in the map database of the navigation apparatus.

Abstract: A system for autonomously mapping and tracking of ground targets at a location of interest has been disclosed. The system comprises at least one user control center in operative communication with one or more data relay satellites in Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO), the data relay satellites in operative communication with one or more UAVs and/or SAR satellites with on-board different imaging sensors to obtain various types of imagery data from the ground targets. The data relay satellites target specific constant communication with the user control center and the UAVs and SAR satellites for continuous feedback and control. Moreover, the system process all raw data obtained from the UAVs and SAR satellites to produce 2D and 3D Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and high resolution images, which are displayed on the user control center and/or selected mobile handheld devices.

Abstract: A relative navigation system and a method of eliminating spurious signals that may be received by a relative navigation system having a first object and a second object including projecting polarized light having a first orientation to form at least one grid line projecting into space from the first object.

Abstract: A mobile device moving in a specific area including a driving unit, an environment sensing unit, a control unit and a transmittal unit is disclosed. The driving unit moves according to a first driving signal. The environment sensing unit detects an outline of the specific area to generate detection information. The control unit processes the detection information to generate first map information and position information. The transmittal unit transmits the first map information to an electronic device. The electronic device generates second map information according to the first map information, and the control unit generates the first driving signal according to the first map information, the second map information and the position information.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for generating a data representation of a geographical region as an adjunct to conducting autonomous operations within the region. The method comprises receiving information specifying a plurality of localized caused zones having operation-defined geographical boundaries within the region; receiving heterogeneous data descriptive of the region; associating the received data with respective localized zones; fusing the received data associated with the localized zones into data representations of the localized zones; and integrating the data representations of the localized zones into a common data representation of the geographical region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating or deactivating an automatic driving function of a technical system for assisting the driver of a motor vehicle, referred to as pilot below, based on system states of the pilot and between which predefined transitions are possible on the basis of predefined conditions.

Abstract: A self-propelled device determines an orientation for its movement based on a pre-determined reference frame. A controller device is operable by a user to control the self-propelled device. The controller device includes a user interface for controlling at least a direction of movement of the self-propelled device. The self-propelled device is configured to signal the controller device information that indicates the orientation of the self-propelled device. The controller device is configured to orient the user interface, based on the information signaled from the self-propelled device, to reflect the orientation of the self-propelled device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated guided vehicle and a method for operating an automated guided vehicle. Upon arriving at a destination, then the automated guided vehicle is moved, based on a comparison of signals or data assigned to the environment detected by at least one sensor with signals or data which are assigned to a target position or to a target position and orientation of the automated guided vehicle at the destination, such that the actual position or the actual position and orientation is the same as the target position or target position and orientation at least within a pre-specified tolerance.

Abstract: A method for forward parking a motor vehicle in a perpendicular parking space, wherein the motor vehicle has environment sensors for detecting environment data and obstacles in the environment of the motor vehicle, including pre-aligning the motor vehicle in front of the perpendicular parking space such that a target steering angle lies between a maximum steering angle ?max and a minimum steering angle ?min, iterative searching of the admissible steering angle range between the maximum steering angle ?max and the minimum steering angle ?min for a current steering angle ?akt, during a forward maneuver of the vehicle into the perpendicular parking space, wherein the current steering angle ?akt,i ensures a maximum free path length si, i=01 . . . , n into the perpendicular parking space without the vehicle hitting obstacles, and terminating the forward maneuver if the end of the parking operation has been reached or a reversing maneuver has to be carried out owing to an obstacle.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for calibrating a vehicle model used to autonomously control a machine on a worksite. The method may include measuring a first value indicative of an operating condition of the machine, predicting a second value, using the vehicle model, corresponding to the first value and indicative of the operating condition, and determining a difference between the first value and the second value. The method may also include autonomously directing the machine to a calibration site of the worksite in response to determining that the difference between the first value and the second value is greater than a predetermined threshold, wherein the calibration site is automatically selected from a plurality of locations at the worksite based on a suitability index of the calibration site.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a hand-held computer system for navigation. Embodiments of the present invention includes novel improvements to a navigation method and implementation through a device, which can include inertial and/or magnetic field sensors integrated within a hand held device. The method can include using a single-fix method or a dual-fix method. The single fix method includes monitoring travel distance or time for a pre-specified condition and updating the heading from a dead reckoning process based on a first position fix by using a map. The dual-fix method includes obtaining a second position fix and updating the heading based on the difference in displacement vectors from the dead reckoning process based on the first position fix.

Abstract: Location data that corresponds to one or more user devices each associated with a user may be obtained. Based on the location data, the particular location of a user may be determined. Similarities between various users may be identified when it is determined that those users have visited the same locations. Upon at least two users visiting a threshold amount of the same locations, one or more recommendations may be provided to the users, whereby the recommendations relate to places that those users have yet to visit. In addition, the users may have the opportunity to reveal information about themselves to other users, while maintaining their anonymity. As a result, the users may meet people and learn about new places that are likely to be of interest to those users.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for identifying overlapping areas. For example, in one embodiment, telematics data can be collected as vehicles traverse various geographic areas. Then, the areas traversed by the vehicles can be displayed to identify overlapping areas.

Abstract: A design support apparatus includes: an area identifying unit configured to identify a target area where a via is to be added in a printed circuit board; a determining unit configured to determine a starting point for starting a search for a location of the via in the target area; and a searching unit configured to move a search point along a path in an intersecting direction that intersects a radial direction around the starting point while moving the search point in the radial direction and to determine whether the via is to be added at a moved search point.

Abstract: A control module for an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. In one example, the control module includes a plurality of control modes, wherein each control mode represents a different autonomy setting, a command generator configured to generate a command causing a selection of a first of the plurality of control modes for the unmanned aerial vehicle, and an intelligence synthesizer that automatically switches the unmanned aerial vehicle between the selected first of the plurality of control modes and a second of the plurality of control mode upon detection of a trigger event.

Abstract: A group or solo monitoring system and method for collision avoidance that uses a transceiver circuitry mounted on a vehicle. The circuitry can include a microprocessor, a memory having stored therein non-transitory instructions for programming the microprocessor, a visual indicator, an audio indicator, a user interface including a display screen and navigation buttons, an RF transceiver with antenna, and a power supply. Non-transitory instructions stored in memory configure and control the microprocessor to enable a user to enter data into the memory via the user interface via the display screen and navigation buttons. A vehicle group can be formed and a proximity perimeter created about the group. Visual and audio alerts are issued to avoid a collision in the event that a non-group vehicle has been detected as having penetrated the proximity perimeter and is closing in on at least one vehicle of the group.

Abstract: A system for transporting inventory items includes a mobile drive unit, a management module, and a plurality of inventory holders. The management module is operable to determine a capability state of the mobile drive unit, select a location for the mobile drive unit based on the capability state of the mobile drive unit, and transmit information to the mobile drive unit identifying the selected location.

Abstract: A computer in a first vehicle is programmed to receive a first set of data from at least one sensor in the first vehicle and to receive a second set of data from at least one second vehicle. The second set of data is from at least one sensor in the at least one second vehicle. The computer is further programmed to use both the first set of data and the second set of data to identify at least one feature of a road being traversed by the first vehicle.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for a centralized vehicular electronics system utilizing Ethernet with audio video bridging are provided. In this regard, electronic devices in a vehicle may be communicatively coupled via one or more Ethernet links and information may be communicated between the electronic devices over the Ethernet link(s) utilizing audio video bridging. At least one of multimedia, control, diagnostic, and sensory information between the electronic devices. Accordingly, resources on the one or more Ethernet links may be reserved via AVB to give priority to one of multimedia, control, diagnostic, and sensory information. Information communicated between the devices may be secured utilizing MACsec and related protocols. The electronic devices may comprise two or more network ports and may be enabled to forward packets between the two or more ports. The Ethernet links may comprise optical and/or copper cabling.

Abstract: A vehicle apparatus, a platoon travel control system and a method for selecting a lead vehicle using the vehicle apparatus and the platoon travel control system. Specifically, charges for platoon travel of surrounding vehicles is calculated based on input charge calculation conditions and the calculated charges are output by matching the conditions with images of surrounding vehicles. Additionally, a vehicle selected by the user is designated as a lead vehicle, thereby performing a platoon travel procedure.

Abstract: A management system includes a position detection device, installed in a haul machine that travels at a mine, capable of detecting position information of the haul machine, and a processing device to which the position information of the haul machine detected by the position detection device is to be output, wherein the processing device specifies, based on the position information of the haul machine output from the position detection device, at least one of a start time and an end time of each of a plurality of operations of the haul machine.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for the automated delivery of goods form one to another using a robotic tug and accompanying cart. A computer within the tug or cart stores an electronic map of the building floor plan and intended paths for the tug to take when traversing from one location to the next. During the delivery, a variety of different sensors and scanners gather data that is used to avoid obstacles and/or adjust the movement of the tug in order to more closely follow the intended path. The system preferably includes both wired and wireless networks that allow one or more tugs to communicate with a tug base station, a primary network located at the site of the delivery and a remote host center that monitors the status and data collected by the tugs.

Abstract: A communication system in a mining environment customizes messages and responses to both conserve radio bandwidth and to accommodate different communication terminal types in use. Messages to a loader with a communication terminal having a four line display and four keys may be tailored to the capabilities of the terminal, while a similar message to a foreman terminal with a full keyboard or a tablet touch screen display may include both more detail and a richer set of responses. To save bandwidth, common messages and responses can be pre-loaded onto the communication terminals so that many messages and responses can be transmitted using only the message identifier.

Abstract: A path planning autopilot guides vehicles efficiently even when they are far from a desired path.

Abstract: An unmanned systems operator control system includes a hand held controller with a set of switches and control enumeration software specially configured to report a superset of virtual switches based on the physical switches. A core unit includes a first unmanned system control application subscribing to a first switch subset of the superset and outputting commands controlling a first unmanned system based on activation of the set of switches. A second unmanned system control application subscribes to a second switch subset of the superset and outputs commands controlling a second unmanned system based on activation of the set of switches. A mode switching subsystem is configured, in a first state, to map the set of switches to the first switch subset and, in a second state, to map the set of switches to the second switch subset.

Abstract: A control system and method is provided to control the trajectory of a transport vehicle (20) to follow the trajectory of a harvester (10). The harvester can send control information such as the harvester's current position and future position waypoints to the transport vehicle. The control system can then use the information from the harvester to determine the trajectory for the transport vehicle.

Abstract: A system for managing vehicles on a road network includes a processor that performs operations including accessing a matrix of vehicle parameters of a plurality of communicating vehicles on the road network, and representing the plurality of communicating vehicles in a graph with a plurality of nodes corresponding to the plurality of communicating vehicles and with a plurality of edges corresponding to the vehicle parameters. The system can include partitioning, with the processor, the graph to reduce disruptions to the road network below a threshold level to support safe and efficient traffic flow, and assigning one or more exclusion zones within the road network to each partition of the graph by associating the vehicle parameters for each vehicle.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle may include a stuck condition detection component and a communications component. The stuck-detection component may be configured to detect a condition in which the autonomous vehicle is impeded from navigating according to a first trajectory. The communications component may send an assistance signal to an assistance center and receive a response to the assistance signal. The assistance signal may include sensor information from the autonomous vehicle. The assistance center may include a communications component and a trajectory specification component. The communications component may receive the assistance signal and send a corresponding response. The trajectory specification component may specify a second trajectory for the autonomous vehicle and generate the corresponding response that includes a representation of the second trajectory. The second trajectory may be based on the first trajectory and may ignore an object that obstructs the first trajectory.

Abstract: Systems, software and methods are disclosed for using a mobile phone (1640) in conjunction with a head unit (1620) of a vehicle. The user interface of a user application program (1644) executing on the mobile phone is extended to utilize a generic display screen (2104) of the head unit, so that custom or per application development of head unit software can be avoided. Preferably, a handset application proxy (HAP) software application (1642) is installed and executable in the mobile phone; and a head unit proxy (HUP) software component (1630) is executable on the head unit. The HAP and the HUP communicate messages (1814, 1824) between the head unit and the mobile phone. Preferably, the HAP (1700) includes a scripting language component (1710) associated with the user application (Nomadic Appn), and having a template message translator component (1712).

Abstract: In order to suppress charge amount shortage in a predetermined area, an information provision device has an acquisition means that acquires travelling information of an electric vehicle on which a secondary battery 204 is mounted; a charge output estimation means that estimates, on the basis of the travelling information, a charge output value of a charging device which is provided in a predetermined area; a judgment means that judges, on the basis of the estimated charge output value, whether there is a risk that shortage of a charge amount will occur in the predetermined area; and an information provision means that provides recommendation information concerning charge of the vehicle to the electric vehicle according to a judgment result of the judgment means.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle may determine that a speed of the autonomous vehicle is less than or equal to a threshold speed, and that the autonomous vehicle has not detected a traffic control signal. The autonomous vehicle may identify a cause C for the speed to be less than or equal to the threshold speed. The autonomous vehicle may start a timer T that is based on the cause C. After the timer T expires, the autonomous vehicle may determine whether the cause C remains as a cause for the speed to be less than or equal to the threshold speed. After determining that the cause C remains the cause for the speed to be less than or equal to the threshold speed, the autonomous vehicle may send an assistance signal indicating a stuck condition.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling an unmanned vehicle. The system includes a base station configured to transmit operational commands and an unmanned vehicle including a cellular communication interface and a controller. The cellular communication interface communicates with the base station through cellular communication. The controller communicates with the communication interface and operates the unmanned vehicle based on operational commands received from the base station.

Abstract: A telepresence robot uses a series of connectible modules and preferably includes a head module adapted to receive and cooperate with a third party telecommunication device that includes a display screen. The module design provides cost advantages with respect to shipping and storage while also allowing flexibility in robot configuration and specialized applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating capabilities of a system (e.g. an autonomous vehicle) with respect to the performance of a task, the method including: providing a first model corresponding to the task; providing a further model corresponding to the system; providing a plurality of mappings from one model to another model; determining whether there exists a transformation trace either (i) from the first model to the further model, or (ii) from the further model to the first model, wherein each transformation trace includes one or more of the specified mappings; and evaluating the capabilities of the system with respect to the task dependent upon the existence of the transformation trace.

Abstract: A vehicular wireless communication apparatus disposed in a subject vehicle determines whether a travel locus of the subject vehicle is similar to a travel locus of a lead vehicle. When the travel locus of the subject vehicle and the lead vehicle are similar, the apparatus transmits the lead vehicle's device identification (ID) and a latest position information of the subject vehicle in place of travel locus information of the subject vehicle from the apparatus to other vehicles at regular interval.

Abstract: A system and a method of managing one or more vehicles deployed in a worksite are provided. The system includes a battery management module which may receive, via a data network, battery health information and/or location co-ordinates from at least one vehicle. The battery management module is configured to issue a battery changing command, via the data network, to a battery-changing device based at least on the battery health information and the location co-ordinates of the vehicles. The battery-changing device may be configured to change at least one battery on the at least one vehicle with charged batteries based on the issued command. The battery-changing device is configured to return each of the changed battery to a central station to recharge the changed battery.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus for traversing a selected area autonomously that senses orientation relative to “environmental” signals. The robotic apparatus is provided in two models, a master that can record directive and “environmental signal” readings, or that can record received location information, to provide at least one command recorded on a machine-readable medium representing an instruction for traversing an area of interest, and a slave that lacks the recording capability. Both master and slave models can replay recorded commands, and compare the expected orientation from the command with an actual orientation sensed during autonomous operation. If an error exceeding a predetermined value is observed, a corrective action is taken. The robotic apparatus is able to utilize a tool to perform a task.

Abstract: A control system for use at a dump location having a plurality of dump sites is disclosed. The control system may have a control module associated with a mobile machine and a worksite controller. The worksite controller may be configured to receive a signal from the control module indicative of the mobile machine crossing a boundary at a dump location, and assign a travel route for the mobile machine based on the signal. The travel route may include a travel segment on a common entrance row, a first single-use path from the common entrance row to a particular one of the plurality of dump sites, a second single-use path from the particular one of the plurality of dump sites to a common exit row, and a travel segment on the common exit row. The worksite controller may be further configured to communicate the travel route to the control module as the mobile machine moves toward the dump location.

Abstract: A method is provided for semi-automatic operation of a portable control device for a remote-controlled, unmanned vehicle. The method includes the steps of monitoring parameters of an operational environment of the portable control device, switching from a manual operation mode to a semi-automatic operation mode in response to occurrence of predetermined criteria within the operational environment, and presenting a semi-automatic operation graphical user interface to a user of the portable control device. The semi-automatic operation graphical user interface includes a reduced set of user interfaces for the semi-automatic operation mode presented by the portable control device.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, an apparatus and method for operating an unmanned and autonomous vehicle includes a sensor management module configured to direct sensors as to what function they are to provide; a mission management module configured to provide execute function capabilities; an effects management module configured to provide launching and directing weapons to their target capabilities; a vehicle management module; a situation awareness management module configured to provide correlate sensor data of objects, threats, targets, geographic points of interest that the pilot requires in the immediate environment; a communications management module; an information management module configured to provide a database of intelligence-related data; a middleware module configured to interface with the sensor management module, the mission management module, the effects management module, the vehicle management module, the situation awareness management module, the communications management module, and the inf

Abstract: A message is received from a vehicle via a network. A driver status is identified based on at least one of whether the message was received and content in the message. A driving instruction is determined based at least in part on the driver status. The driving instruction is transmitted via the network.

Abstract: An information collection device transmits a position information request command for requesting transmission of position information of a dump truck at a predetermined point in time via a second wireless communication device and determines a state of at least one of the dump truck, a relay that relays communication from a first wireless communication device included in the dump truck to the second wireless communication device, and a travel route of the dump truck based on a response to the position information request command.

Abstract: In a vehicular driving system and a driving method thereof in which a vehicle is driven toward a loading point, a waiting point is set on a driving path. The vehicle drives from an entry point of a loading site to the waiting point along the driving path, and stands by at the waiting point until permission is given by a loader. When there is an order to change the loading point when the vehicle is at the waiting point or driving to the waiting point, a partial driving path is created, and the vehicle drives from the waiting point to the new loading point along the partial driving path. When there is no order to change the loading point when the vehicle is at the waiting point or driving to the waiting point, the vehicle drives from the waiting point to the original loading point along the driving path.

Abstract: An operation arrangement work is accelerated by improving efficiency of generating an operation arrangement proposal and confirming whether the operation arrangement proposal is good or not. An operation support system has an operation arrangement proposal generation part (1110) which executes automatic generation of an operation arrangement proposal, a diagram prediction part which executes simulation of train operation in the future, a diagram display part (1120) which displays an operation schedule and the operation arrangement proposal as a diagram, and a user input part which receives input of a parameter from the user. System has a snapshot restoration part (1130) which restores snapshots of the operation arrangement proposal in an automatic generation process on the basis of a diagram change history outputted by the operation arrangement proposal generation part (1110), and a snapshot display input part (1140) which displays to the user a snapshot according to input from the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for assessing a target proximate a vehicle. A location and a velocity of the target are obtained. The location and the velocity of the target are mapped onto a polar coordinate system via a processor. A likelihood that the vehicle and the target will collide is determined using the mapping.

Abstract: To provide a work machine that can make minimum passes over a target area without leaving any tasks with flexible steering operations. A controller 10 mounted on a motor-driven lawn mower 1 determines intersections between a contour service path and a pair of straight service paths that are adjacent to each other in which the motor-driven lawn mower 1 travels along the straight service paths in opposite directions, and sets (records) a turning behavior including backward movement of the motor-driven lawn mower connecting the adjacent intersections in a configuration file. The information recorded in the configuration file is read during the operation to move the motor-driven lawn mower along the contour service path 50 and the straight service paths on anywhere other than the aforementioned intersections and to turn in accordance with the turning behavior when the motor-driven lawn mower reaches one of the intersections.